TODAY’S TOP ARTICLES – 17 DEC 2014

United States:The Fed Could Soothe Markets Wednesday
The central bank releases its statement and economic forecasts at 2 p.m. ET, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen will then brief the media at 2:30 p.m. The Fed is widely expected to tweak the language in its statement by removing the phrase “considerable time,” a reference to how long it intends to keep rates low. (Source: CNBC)

United Kingdom:UK Inflation Falls to 12-Year Low
Plunging oil prices are starting to feed through to UK consumers’ pockets after inflation fell to just 1% for the first time in 12 years last month. (Source: Guardian)

Greece:First Presidential Vote a Litmus Test for Government
The first of possibly three presidential ballots will take place on Wednesday evening, with the government expecting its candidate, Stavros Dimas, to receive at least 161 of 300 MPs’ votes, which will be well short of the 200 needed to be elected but a basis for the coalition to work from for the final ballot on December 29, when 180 votes will be required. (Source: ekathimerini).

Japan:Japan’s Export Volume Declines
In November, Japan’s exports rose 4.9% in value but dropped 1.7% in volume, pointing out that the weak Japanese yen has failed to increase exports and economic activity. (Source: The Wall Street Journal)